The late George Wilson who died tragically in a work accident on Saturday
TWO communities, Newtownbutler, where he lived and Lisnaskea, where he worked, at Monaghan Bros car dealership, are still in shock following the death in a freak accident at his workplace on Saturday morning of George Wilson (51).
The deceased lived with his wife, Jenny and their two teenage daughters, Amy and Megan, just off Main street, Newtownbutler, in Gortgommon Park.
Police, investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, said they have no further details available at present. The Health and Safety Executive are also involved in the investigation.
However, it is believed that Mr Wilson, pictured, died at the scene after he was crushed by a car in the area above the forecourt at the dealership.
His wife, who was in Lisnaskea at the time visiting her sister, rushed to the scene on being told of the news, but, by then, the area had been cordoned off by police.
It remained cordoned off until around 4.30 on Saturday afternoon.
On Monday morning, the premises were closed. A sign on the entrance gates apologised, stating that, due to unforeseen circumstances’, the premises would be closed until further notice.
Shane Wilson, a nephew of the deceased, explained that Mr Wilson had been employed at Monaghan Bros for the past 7 years.
“He was a handyman. He moved cars, valeted cars, and changed tyres. He would have collected cars for customers and washed them. He enjoyed his work. He was a very popular man who got on well with everyone.
“He worked every other Saturday and, during the week, he would have been the first person there to open up.”
Shane, a former Newtownbutler and Fermanagh GAA star, paid tribute to the staff of Monaghan Bros for trying to resuscitate his uncle.
“They did their best but, unfortunately, it was a sudden death. I know the management and George’s work colleagues are taking it bad. Jim and John (Armitage) thought a lot of him, and he was very close to them, and he was close to all of the people there.
“He died doing something he loved in that he enjoyed his work, but it doesn’t take the pain away.”
Shane also spoke of the overwhelming support of the local community around the Wilson home to where the remains were taken on Monday evening before being removed for the 11 o’clock funeral service at St Mary’s Church, Newtownbutler this morning, Wednesday.
“The people in the town, from both sides of the community, have been very supportive.
“It certainly reflected on him as a person. The house has been packed over the weekend with people of all ages, young and old, calling, and his remains hadn’t yet arrived.”
At the first removal of the remains, on Monday evening, from the hospital to his late home, Mr Wilson’s work colleagues formed an impressive guard of honour all the way from the body shop at the far end of town to the Monaghan Bros garage.
Before taking up employment with the firm, the deceased worked as a mechanic with local car mechanics, and before that, had charge of the forecourt at a local filling-station/shop for 15 years.
“He was into technology, telephones and electrics. If any family member asked him to do something, he would never have said no. He was that type of fellow. He was very good to his wife and the girls.
“They were important to him and, this last couple of years, they all enjoyed life.”
Mr Wilson was a son of the late George and Elizabeth Wilson and, in addition to his wife and two daughters, aged 10 and 14, he is immediately survived by his brother, Patrick (Patsy) and his sisters, May, Rita and
Betty.
Burial is at the cemetery adjoining St Mary’s Church, beside his parents.
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